Psalms 124:2
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:
Original Language Analysis
יְ֭הוָה
it had not been the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
it had not been the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
שֶׁהָ֣יָה
H1961
שֶׁהָ֣יָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּק֖וּם
rose up
H6965
בְּק֖וּם
rose up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
5 of 7
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
Cross References
Historical Context
Israel faced constant threats from surrounding nations - Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Edom, Moab, Ammon, and others. Despite being merely human kingdoms, they wielded power that could have destroyed Israel. Only divine protection preserved the covenant people through centuries of geopolitical vulnerability. The phrase 'men rose up' captures the recurring pattern of opposition Israel faced.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does the psalm repeat the condition rather than moving immediately to the consequence?
- How does recognizing enemies as 'men' (merely human) affect our perspective on opposition?
- What does the pattern of 'men rising up' against God's people reveal about spiritual warfare?
- How does repetition in Scripture and worship serve to deepen truth's impact?
- In what ways do Christians face enemies 'rising up' against them, and how does God's partisan support apply?
Analysis & Commentary
The hypothetical continues with repetition for emphasis: 'If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us.' The repeated condition reinforces the centrality of divine aid. The phrase 'when men rose up against us' specifies the threat - human enemies attacked Israel. The word 'rose up' (Hebrew 'qum') suggests hostile action, rebellion, or war. The emphasis on 'men' highlights that despite being merely human (not divine), these enemies posed existential threat to Israel. The verse creates tension - overwhelming human opposition versus divine protection. The repetition also functions liturgically, possibly as call-and-response in corporate worship, where one voice speaks and the congregation repeats. This pattern embeds the truth deeply through repetition.